WORCESTER — Republican lieutenant governor candidate Karyn E. Polito said Thursday morning that her cousin is OK after a boat crash Wednesday on Lake Quinsigamond that critically injured a passenger.

Police on Wednesday identified 50-year-old Gregory Polito of Shrewsbury as the owner and driver of the boat that crashed into a barge about 1 a.m., launching all four occupants into the water.

A 28-year-old Millbury man who was riding in the boat remained in serious condition Thursday in the intensive care unit at UMass Memorial Medical Center — University Campus with head, facial and internal injuries.

Ms. Polito, a former state representative from Shrewsbury, confirmed Thursday that her cousin was involved in the accident. She said she did not know any details about what happened, but had been told by her aunt that Mr. Polito was not seriously injured.

"I'm just very thankful he's doing OK," Ms. Polito said at a campaign event in Worcester Thursday morning, adding that she does not believe Mr. Polito is hospitalized.

Also injured in the crash was a 49-year-old Shrewsbury woman and a 26-year-old Northbridge woman. They have been discharged from the hospital.

The boaters were rescued by a Fire Department dive team member, District Chief Samuel Richesson said Wednesday.

The barge that the boat struck is being used in the construction of the new Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge spanning Lake Quinsigamond on Route 9, at the Worcester-Shrewsbury line. Worcester police said a barge safety light may have been out.

Environmental Police investigated the scene of the crash Wednesday. They did not respond to a request for additional information Thursday.

Contact Brad Petrishen at brad.petrishen@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter @BPetrishenTG. Scott J. Croteau of the Telegram & Gazette staff contributed to this report.